A major disruption unfolded at Srinagar’s SMHS Hospital on Wednesday after doctors staged a strike and closed the hospital gates in protest against the alleged assault on a resident doctor by an attendant of a patient. The strike brought patient care to a near standstill, leading to chaos and anguish among the sick and their families.
The agitation began after an attendant reportedly slapped a resident doctor, triggering immediate outrage among the medical fraternity. In response, the hospital’s resident doctors locked the main gates of the hospital and staged a sit-in, demanding action against the accused and better protection for healthcare professionals on duty.
As a result of the gate closure, hundreds of patients and attendants were seen stranded in and around the hospital premises. Desperate pleas were made by people seeking urgent medical attention, but the doctors remained firm in their protest.
One of the most heart-wrenching scenes came from a man from Pulwama, who was carrying his young child in his arms. “My son received an electric shock and needs urgent treatment. But here the doctors have locked the gates. Who is responsible if something happens to him?” he told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
The incident sparked a counter-protest by attendants and families of patients, who accused the hospital authorities of prioritizing professional grievances over human lives. “We understand their anger, but why should innocent patients suffer?” questioned another attendant outside the hospital gate.
An official from SMHS Hospital, while confirming the incident, said that a police case has been registered against the individual who assaulted the doctor and added that efforts are underway to defuse the situation and resume normal services.
He further appealed for calm from both sides and assured that the administration was in touch with police and hospital representatives to bring an amicable end to the deadlock.